Maritime sector central to Nigeria’s economic development–Egede, GM NPA
Maureen Aguta
A General Manager in Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Sylvester Othuke Egede, has said that the Nigerian maritime industry is pivotal to the economic development of Nigeria, adding that marine and blue economy not oil is most critical to Nigeria’s economic upliftment.
He urged investors to come into the sector and take advantage of the huge potentials of the Nigerian marine and blue economy.
Speaking to journalists at the maiden edition of the Nigerian Maritime Golf Challenge which held Ikoyi Gulf Course in Lagos on Friday, Egede said recreational activities serve as elixir to attract investors who interact in very calm and happy environment, where they find it easier to make business and investment decisions.
He described the maritime industry as the ace sector that impacts deeply on the economy even more than the celebrated oil industry while urging more well meaning Nigerians to take advantage of the enormous business opportunities and potentials the sector holds
Egede commended organisations like the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for the initiative to have the game and other government agencies like the NPA, Nigerian Shippers Council and others for their support and participation
“I’m highly elated that this was initiated. The maritime industry is the biggest industry in this country. People think it’s the oil industry, but it’s the maritime industry because it is the gateway to the nation’s economy and it means that it is the first port of call.
“Sports is an avenue to drive investment all around the world, because through sports you can do networking, especially golf because every flight consists of four members of a team playing and by the time you are in a team for hours, you are talking and exchanging ideas” he said
Speaking briefly on Nigeria’s maritime endowments, the NPA Chieftain with over three decades of experience said as Africa’s most populous nation and largest economy, the country stands at the crossroads of global trade, blessed with a 853-kilometer coastline along the Gulf of Guinea and a network of rivers that stretch over 8,600 kilometers.
Egede commended Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority for leading the way to make eastern ports more viable and productive while pursuing infrastructural transformation at the ports in Lagos
He further described the entire marine and blue economy ecosystem encompassing ports, shipping, fisheries, and the blossoming jetties serving import and export activities as the true gateway to Nigeria’s economy.
According to Egede, the sector is responsible for handling over 80 per cent of the country’s international trade with capacity to attract investors and produce sustainable job opportunities